No abstract

Summary A 3‐day‐old Standardbred filly, born from a multiparous mare, was presented for assessment of limb swellings and reduced appetite. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, multifocal petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages, stiff gait, polysynovial effusion, as well as erosions, multifocal crusting and erythema of the skin. Laboratory examinations revealed adequate transfer of passive immunity, marked thrombocytopenia, moderate neutropenia and anaemia. Aerobic bacterial blood culture was negative. Sanguineous fluid, consistent with haemarthrosis, was obtained by synoviocentesis. The foal was successfully managed with the administration of blood transfusions, an immunosuppressive regimen of corticosteroid medication, systemic antimicrobial medication and supportive care and recovered uneventfully. This report describes a neonatal foal with marked thrombocytopenia and signs of coagulopathy, neutropenia and ulcerative dermatitis consistent with a previously described syndrome. This case emphasises that alloimmune disease should be considered in neonatal foals with haemostatic disturbances or unexplained cytopenia.

EBC pH and H O concentrations are altered by airway inflammation, suggesting a role for these biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of airway disease. Environmental and methodological factors can influence these biomarkers and should be considered in the interpretation of results.

Summary A one‐day‐old Thoroughbred colt foal was presented for assessment of abdominal pain and reduced urine output. Physical examination of the foal revealed marked abdominal distension, mild tachycardia, tachypnoea and congested mucous membranes. A marked anechoic peritoneal effusion, intestinal hypomotility and mural thickening of the large colon were detected sonographically. Serosanguinous fluid was obtained by abdominocentesis. After haemodynamic stabilisation, the foal underwent general anaesthesia and exploratory laparotomy and a 720° volvulus of the large colon at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures was identified. After correction of the volvulus, the intraoperative findings were consistent with nonviability of the affected portion of the colon. The owner declined partial colon resection and elected for euthanasia of the foal. Although rare in neonatal foals, large colon volvulus should be considered in foals with signs of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and ultrasonographic findings of colonic mural thickening and luminal distension.